List otwarty do Prezydenta RP, Marszałka Sejmu RP, Marszałka Senatu RP, Prezesa Rady Ministrów oraz Wiceprezesów Rady Ministrów w sprawie finansowania nauki, w tym zwłaszcza Narodowego Centrum Nauki
Skontaktuj się z autorem petycji
Open Letter to the President of the Republic of Poland, the Speaker of the Sejm, the Speaker of the Senate, the Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Ministers regarding science funding, in particular the National Science Centre
2025-09-29 09:23:19Dear All,
In this petition, we present an Open Letter that will be sent to the Office of the President, the Speakers of the Sejm and Senate, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Prime Ministers.
The importance of science for Poland’s future is a value recognized across the political spectrum. Science and research in a country that is the world’s 20th largest economy should be a priority above all divisions. We appeal to everyone who understands the need for conducting scientific research in Poland to read the letter and support the appeal.
When signing the petition, we encourage you to use the “Comment” box to add a short note about who you are—perhaps you represent the scientific sector (academic title/position/affiliation, e.g. “PhD student, University XYZ”) or another sector (for example, add “medicine,” “public administration,” “education,” “industry,” etc.), or maybe you are a parent concerned about your children’s future. We also encourage you to leave a comment explaining why proper funding for science is important to you.
Please help us share this appeal among fellow researchers, companies, institutions, schools, local governments, families, and friends.
Science is Poland’s raison d’état!
Open Letter to the President of the Republic of Poland, the Speaker of the Sejm, the Speaker of the Senate, the Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Ministers regarding science funding, in particular the National Science Centre, as a pillar for Poland’s development and security
Dear President,
Dear Speakers of the Parliament and Senate,
Dear Prime Minister,
Dear Deputy Prime Ministers,
We address you, the highest representatives of the Republic of Poland, on a matter of Poland’s raison d’état.
“Scientific and technological development is not only a matter of progress, but Poland’s raison d’état in the 21st century. Without investment in research, we will not be able to ensure the security, prosperity, and sovereignty of our nation,” – said the President on August 29 this year. The Prime Minister shared similar views on November 29 last year: “The future of our world and the values on which our world is built […] will depend on whether we can keep Europe, including Poland, at the highest level of creativity, innovation, science, and knowledge.” He also added: “In this great race, also a race for Poland’s security and for Europe’s security, your [scientists’] efforts, your work, your thinking will be absolutely crucial.” The Minister of Finance calculated that “every złoty invested in research and innovation generates from 4 to 7 złotys of return in the economy,” and in February this year, together with the Prime Minister, presented investment in science as the first pillar of the “Year of Breakthrough” strategy.
Unfortunately, these weighty words from the highest authorities, presenting science as the key to our nation’s future, stand in surprising contrast to the government’s current actions. The proposed budget bill for 2026, which allocates about 1% of GDP for higher education and research, in real terms reduces science funding to the lowest levels in the 21st century as a share of GDP.
Among many concerning elements of the proposal, we would like to highlight in particular the freezing of the National Science Centre (NCN) subsidy at the 2025 level. This deepens the crisis in basic research in Poland, which threatens the very foundations of our country: its security, development, and the future of young generations.
NCN is a pillar of quality and independence for scientific research in Poland—it allocates funds for research transparently and reliably. In February, the Finance Minister emphasized: “NCN has become one of the best-rated centres supporting research. The so-called ‘NCN generation’—young, dynamic, outstanding scientists—is proof that consistent investment in science yields results.” Thanks to NCN, the most dynamic research teams are funded, students and PhD candidates gain unique research skills, and Polish institutes and universities participate in top-level international projects. The government’s “Poland Development Strategy 2026–2035” envisages maintaining a 25% success rate in NCN grants. This is an appropriate goal, as according to global grant agency experience, this is the most effective funding level for submitted proposals. Below this value, the evaluation process absorbs proportionally too many resources and becomes less meaningful. However, in its September 21, 2025 resolution, the NCN Council announced that to maintain a grant success rate above 10%, NCN’s funding should increase by about PLN 400 million in 2026. Planning to freeze NCN’s funding (while the success rate is already critically low) means that excellent scientific projects which could strengthen society, industry, or medicine, will never be implemented in Poland.
This stark contradiction between government declarations regarding NCN (25% success rate per “Poland Development Strategy 2026-2035,” the Finance Minister’s February statements) and the proposed science budget for next year (which will result in a single-digit success rate) must be addressed urgently.
Freezing NCN funding at its current level already has irreversible consequences that will deepen further: the loss of young talent, weakening of higher education and doctoral schools, dissolution of innovative research teams, decline of Poland’s position in European and global science, as well as limiting both development and the use of the country’s potential in health, defense, energy, new technologies, and educational/social solutions. To put it succinctly: NCN is the oxygen for Polish science, and its current level is critically low.
With full awareness of the situation beyond our eastern border, we remind you that national security is not based solely on the number of soldiers and tanks, but also on developing our own advanced technologies. These ensure superiority on the modern battlefield and the sovereignty of the Republic. In the 21st century, the source of defense potential is investment in basic research. Countries threatened by armed conflict for decades, such as South Korea, show clearly how a high level of science spending translates into security, innovation, and effective defense. Such countries spend over 5% of GDP on R&D, enabling them to build technological powerhouses and the most advanced defense programs. At the same time, security is not only about weapons and technology. Equally important are scientific fields that help understand the complexity of today’s crises and threats, counteract disinformation, strengthen resilience and social cohesion, and support decision-making under uncertainty. Stable, courageous, and long-term support for science beyond party divides is necessary for Poland to react wisely and effectively to threats and to plan and shape its own future.
We therefore strongly demand a revision of the 2026 budget bill to increase funding for scientific research in Poland, including especially a minimum increase of PLN 400 million in the NCN subsidy, and to guarantee annual growth of NCN funding tied to GDP.
To cite the President of the Republic: “Science is Poland’s raison d’état, because our children’s future depends on whether they live in a country that creates the future, or merely follows others.” We appeal to you to heed our voice, granting Poland a chance for stable development based on knowledge and the ability to shape its own future.
With respect, Citizens, scientists and academics responsible for the future of young generations
Agata Starosta on behalf of the signatories